15/05/2026
We were recently honoured to welcome a very special guest from Gordon & MacPhail to The Courtyard— Moira Mackenzie (née Clark), accompanied by her daughter, on her first visit to our temporary premises.
Moira was secretary to the legendary George Urquhart — “Mr George” — who joined the family business in 1933 under his father, John, and became the second generation of Urquhart ownership. His remarkable legacy includes the iconic Generations range, notably the 1940 Glenlivet casks that would go on to produce some of the world’s oldest single malt Scotch whiskies.
Perhaps his most influential contribution, however, was the Connoisseurs Choice range — a cornerstone of Gordon & MacPhail’s history, and the reason whisky writer Charles MacLean famously described Mr George as the “father of single malt.”
Moira delighted us with stories from her time working alongside him — recalling a “hard taskmaster” who quickly corrected her on day one as she attempted to tidy his desk: “I know where everything is!”
Yet she also shared his quieter generosity. When Moira broke her leg, Mr George arranged for her to be chauffeur-driven to and from work — and then encouraged her to keep the car and learn to drive.
It was also during her time at Gordon & MacPhail that Moira met her husband, Allan McKenzie, then a lorry driver for the firm.
A very special visit, filled with history, warmth, and wonderful memories.
